noun
breeches
BREE-chihz
Breeches (noun) means Trousers that end at or just below the knee, historically menswear, now mostly seen in riding and formal military dress. Example: “The jockey wore tall boots and cream breeches.”
noun
1
Trousers that end at or just below the knee, historically menswear, now mostly seen in riding and formal military dress.
"The jockey wore tall boots and cream breeches."
"Old portraits often show gentlemen in knee-length breeches."
How to use breeches
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOld-fashioned or specialist trousers that stop around the knee, still worn for horse riding and some ceremonial uniforms.
When to use it
Sounds dated or formal in everyday speech — most people just say "trousers" or "pants" today.
Common pairings
riding breeches
knee breeches
a pair of breeches
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The jockey wore tall boots and cream _____.
Etymology
From Old English brēċ, "leggings" or "underpants" — the same ancient root as "breech".
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “breeches” mean?
The word “breeches” means trousers that end at or just below the knee, historically menswear, now mostly seen in riding and formal military dress. In plain terms, old-fashioned or specialist trousers that stop around the knee, still worn for horse riding and some ceremonial uniforms.
How do you pronounce “breeches”?
“Breeches” is pronounced BREE-chihz (/ˈbɹiː.t͡ʃɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “breeches” in a sentence?
Here is “breeches” used in a sentence: “The jockey wore tall boots and cream breeches.”
What part of speech is “breeches”?
“Breeches” is a noun.
Where does the word “breeches” come from?
The word “breeches” comes from Old English. From Old English brēċ, "leggings" or "underpants" — the same ancient root as "breech".
